Stock prodder

Abstract

The invention provides a power module for a stock prodder and a stock prodder including the power module. The power module includes an input section coupleable to a power source, an output section operatively coupled to the input section and configured to output power to discharge electrodes of a stock prodder, and a control circuit. In use, the control circuit is configured to automatically vary the output power, preferably by increasing the output power.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to animal management and control. More particularly, the invention relates to an electrical discharge prodder, preferably handheld, that coerces animals to move. The invention also provides a power module therefor.BACKGROUND[0002]Devices that provide an electric shock to control behaviour or movement of animals are well known. These devices are known as electric fence controllers and stock or cattle prodders. Cattle prodders are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be characterized in that they are able to control animals using high voltage electrical discharges. Generally, stock prodders are hand held devices that comprise a housing that contains a power source, circuitry used to generate a high voltage, and a pair of high voltage electrodes. The stock prodder's power source is typically a dry-cell battery or rechargeable battery that is connected to an input of the circuitry used to generate the high...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a power module for a stock prodder that automatically adjusts the voltage provided to the discharge electrodes, allowing the prodder to effectively move animals with different tolerance levels to electric shock discomfort. The module includes an input section, an output section, and a control circuit that automatically varies the output power level to the discharge electrodes. The control circuit can be programmed by the operator to adjust various parameters such as the power level, the number of steps in the power increase, and the time taken to ramp up from the minimum to the maximum power level. The module is preferably removable and has a protective shell or housing making it resistant to the ingress of moisture and contamination. The technical effects of the invention include improved control over the power output, increased safety for the operator, and improved efficiency in using the prodder.

Problems solved by technology

However, it soon became apparent that one discharge level was not appropriate for all animals.

The problem was that some animals were unaffected by the discharge, whereas others found the intensity of the shock to be too great.

A drawback with these attempts to control the level of discharge intensity is that they are all preset by design and not adjustable.

Consequently, such prodders are unable to operate at an optimal level for more than one type of animal.

A drawback of such an arrangement is that electric fields and small amounts of leakage current can cause the core to be charged to an undesirably high voltage potential that can lead to transformer failure.

A drawback with this arrangement is, relative to the grounded core, the non-grounded end of the secondary winding becomes charged to a voltage that is equivalent to the output of the prodder, which can be around ten thousand volts or higher.

Although the transformer's voltage is lower than the high voltage potential, the transformer in this design may also suffer from the same electric field and leakage current mentioned previously.

However, without the transformer to provide an increase over the supply voltage, the multiplier circuit requires many more stages resulting in a design that is large and expensive.

Another problem with inverter circuits used in cattle prodders to increase the voltage is the excessive losses due to transformer saturation.

A drawback of this is the excessive losses occurring during the approach to saturation.

This is normally converted into heat and is a loss.

A common problem with the aforementioned high voltage generating configurations is that the high voltage can circumvent isolation between the various components and, under certain conditions, presents a potential hazard to the operator.

For instance, the operator may inadvertently become part of the electrical pathway when grabbing onto and holding a prodder housing that is covered with condensation, or by accidentally touching an exposed metallic fastener that is in electrical contact with the power supply or primary circuit of the transformer of the prodder, thereby electrically connecting the user to the stock prodder's power supply or primary circuit.

In such not altogether uncommon conditions, should one of the electrode tips be brought into contact with an animal, current can flow out one of the high voltage electrodes, down through the animal, through the soil, up through the operator and back into the prodder, where it is passed from the transformer's primary winding to the secondary winding either through direct connection in the circuit or by arcing from the primary winding to the secondary winding, shocking the operator in the process.

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